Model Decentralized Wastewater Practitioner Curriculum

DESCRIPTION

This project, directed by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment, will develop a model decentralized wastewater field practitioners training curriculum for use throughout North America. The curriculum will consist of a series of noncredit short courses organized similar to a college curriculum. The primary topics that the curriculum will address include: 1) planning/basic issues, 2) soil and site evaluation, 3) technologies, 4) design and engineering, 5) installation, construction and inspection, 6) operation and maintenance, and 7) troubleshooting and repair. High priority subtopics in four of the seven topical areas of the curriculum will be selected for full development of detailed training modules including trainer's guides and audio-visual educational materials. These will form the foundation of the basic curriculum and include: 1) soil and site evaluation, 2) water movement and treatment in soils, 3) decentralized technology overview and 4) septic tanks. The project will enhance Consortium communications and distribution of information primarily via a Consortium-wide electronic web developed to facilitate the development, assessment and electronic delivery of these training materials and their distribution to trainers who will deliver the training to the end-users. Subcontractors who will lead substantial parts of the project include the University of Minnesota, Washington On-Site Sewage Association, Michigan State University, Dalhousie University and other Consortium delegates.